In a Family Way
Good news! I’m not pregnant. I would like some advice though, if anyone cares to share a bit.
What this article is about is My family, though. I’m unmarried and childless (to the best of My knowledge) so by “family” I’m referring to My biological parents and siblings and extended family.(Not that I don’t love My adoptive family members also … well, a number of them at least.)
Psychological issues seem to be pretty infused in the genetic makeup of My family. Every generation seems to get a little bit better at coping with these issues. My sister has told Me horror stories about Our grandmother (whom I am probably better off never having met), who had psychological issues galore and expressed them through abuse. Our mother came through that and has done fairly well, all things considered, although I’m not entirely sure that she understands mental illness that well. My sister (the one with whom I am currently living) is quite similar to Me in many ways, and is doing her best to cope with her illnesses and help Me do the same.
I discussed My recent symptomatic episode with her and to My amazement she actually understood what I was talking about. She identified with a lot of what I described. I truly love My baby sister and I am so pleased to have her in My life and to be a part of hers.
She did ask Me one question that I really didn’t have an answer for, which leads Us (you, dear reader, and I) to the issue on which I am asking for some advice. She asked Me what I wanted from her to help Me get through these episodes. And I wasn’t sure how to answer her.
It brings up another question, also, as she is also dealing with severe psychological issues: What is the best way that I can help her? Really two sides of the same query currency. If someone whom you love is experiencing symptoms of mental illness, what could you do to help them manage to get through it? Please, I’d like some ideas from others who may have dealt with this or similar issues.
Thanks.
